Young Bradford man appointed trustee of national charity

Louis Moorhouse, of Idle, lost his sight when he was a toddler due to complications with Neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer.

Despite this, he is no different from any other young person - except not many his age can say they have a governing role at a national charity.

Louis Moorhouse, a big Doctor Who fan, has been appointed trustee of national charity Living Paintings. (Image: UGC)

Louis has just been appointed as a trustee of Living Paintings, a charity that brings the visual world to life through touch and sound for blind and visually impaired children and young people - and one that has supported Louis throughout his life.

For 20 years, he has used their accessible adaptations of picture books and tactile-audio resources to help him understand the world around him.

Now, he will take on the responsibility of guiding the charity on their board.

A Living Painting resource of the Tardis. (Image: UGC)

The appointment comes after Louis raised an incredible £25,000 for the charity, spearheading a campaign to give the visual world of Doctor Who the Living Paintings treatment - so blind and visually impaired Whovians like him could experience the show's weird and wonderful aliens, monsters, devices and sets.

The resources, which were released in conjunction with the show’s 60th anniversary, are now being enjoyed by fans with sight loss across the UK.

A Living Painting resource of a Dalek. (Image: UGC)

On his appointment, Louis said: “When I received the call, I couldn’t believe it. I never would have expected this - but as soon as I was asked it was an emphatic yes.

“I have been involved with Living Paintings for as long as I can remember and to take up this position is an honour and a privilege.

“The charity does such amazing work and, in my opinion, deserve far more recognition for the huge impact they have on the lives on blind and visually impaired people.

“In my new role as a trustee, I hope I can change this. I’m beyond excited to get started.”

Camilla Oldland, CEO of Living Painting, said: “When we had a vacant trustee position, I asked the team and the board if they had any thoughts on who to approach.

“Unanimously, they suggested Louis - such is the impact he has had on our work.

“As a lifelong beneficiary, Louis knows our charity inside out. But beyond that, he is a hugely capable, highly intelligent individual who has overcome huge challenges with a positive attitude.

“His voice on our board of trustees will be invaluable.”